Disney California Adventure at Disneyland Resort | the disney food blog (2024)

Disney California Adventure opened on February 8, 2001, joining Disneyland park to become the second park at Disneyland Resort.

Disney California Adventure invites you to “Watch favorite stories come to life before your eyes” in eight themed lands: Buena Vista Street, Pixar Pier, Paradise Gardens, San Fransokyo Square, Grizzly Peak, Hollywood Land, Cars Land, and Disneyland Resort’s NEWEST land, Avengers Campus!

Lands & Attractions

Though Disney California Adventure did not open until 2001 (and is therefore quite young, especially in comparison to the wonderfully classic Disneyland park, which opened in 1955), the park has already undergone a fairly significant transformation.

As we explore the lands, keep in mind that Pixar Pier (previously Paradise Pier) opened in 2018, and Cars Land debuted in 2012, delivering an astounding level of immersion unlike any land before. Avengers Campus most recently joined the park in 2021.

In fact, the first land guests encounter, Buena Vista Street, did not open until 2012 (when it officially replaced the area previously known as Sunshine Plaza).

So, why don’t we start there? Let’s GO!

Buena Vista Street

Similar to Disneyland park’s Main Street, U.S.A., Buena Vista Street welcomes guests to the park with a myriad of shopping and dining options. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy often pay visits to Buena Vista Street. Visitors are also greeted by the Storytellers Statue, featuring Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse.

The plaque next to the statue shares these words from Walt Disney: “It was July 1923. I packed all of my worldly goods – a pair of trousers, a checkered coat, a lot of drawing materials and the last of the fairy tale reels we had made – in a kind of frayed cardboard suitcase. And with that wonderful audacity of youth, I went to Hollywood, arriving there with just forty dollars. It was a big day the day I got on that Santa Fe California Limited. I was just free and happy!”

Here is the list of Buena Vista Street attractions:

• Red Car Trolley
• Character Greetings with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy

Avengers Campus

TheMarvel-inspiredAvengers CampusisDisneyland Resort’snewest land! It officially opened on June 4, 2021.

The Avengers have set up a campus “to recruit the next generation of Super Heroes.” (And that means YOU!)

“AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!”

Here is the list of Avengers Campus attractions:

• Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT! —Disney Genie+ option
• WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure —Disney Genie+ option

In September 2022, it was announced that a NEW attraction will be part of an upcoming expansion of Avengers Campus!

Though the name of the new ride has not yet been announced, we know thatguests will battle villains — including the new King Thanos — from everywhere (and “everywhen” — the MULTIVERSE!) alongside the Avengers and their allies.

Get ready to go deeper into the MULTIVERSE…

Cars Land

Cars Land opened on June 13, 2012, and Disney California Adventure has never been the same since!

Join your buddies Tom Mater, Lightning McQueen and more from Cars in the town of Radiator Springs along Route 66! Whirl and twirl on Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree or take a spin on Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters. And you can’t miss the chance to rev up on Radiator Springs Racers on an unforgettable race through the Cadillac Range!

Here is the list of Cars Land attractions:

• Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree
• Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters
• Radiator Springs Racers —Individual Lightning Lane Attraction Selection option

Grizzly Peak

Step right into Grizzly Peak, inspired by the nature and beauty of National Parks in the Golden Statecirca the 1950s!

Challenge yourself with the outdoor activities highlighted along Redwood Creek Trail, and get ready to get wet on Grizzly River Run! Take a hang-gliding flight to see sights from around the globe in Soarin’ Around the World (which, during park events like the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, transforms to the original Soarin’ Over California attraction).

Here is the list of Grizzly Peak attractions:

• Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
• Grizzly River Run —Disney Genie+ option
• Soarin’ Around the World —Disney Genie+ option

Hollywood Land

Experience the glitz and glamour of the Golden Age in Hollywood Land!

Your adventures here are filled with character… Disney characters, that is, from Disney Junior Dance Party to Turtle Talk with Crush! And at the heart of it all are stories and experiences that have been brought to life over the years by Disney animation.

Here is the list of Hollywood Land attractions:

• Disney Junior Dance Party
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic
• Sorcerer’s Workshop
• Animation Academy
• Turtle Talk with Crush
• Monsters, Inc. Mickey & Sulley to the Rescue! —Disney Genie+ option

San Fransokyo Square

Get ready to visitSan Fransokyo Square! Fans of the Walt Disney Animation Studios filmBig Hero 6will be familiar withSan Fransokyo —“where East meets West, and technology meets tradition.”San Fransokyo, as Disney shares, is“a fictional mash-up of two iconic cities – San Francisco and Tokyo.”

The area previously known as Pacific Wharfhas been reimagined into this new land.

And since dining is primarily the name of the game here, it’s only fitting that the land’s attraction takes place in a working replica of San Francisco’s Boudin Bakery!

P.S. You’ll find many of the Marketplace Food Booths for the park’s seasonal Festivals in this area.

Here is the list of San Fransokyo Square attractions:

• The Bakery Tour — hosted by Boudin Bakery
• Baymax Meet-and-Greet

Click HERE to explore San Fransokyo Square!

Paradise Gardens Park

Take a stroll along picturesque Paradise Gardens Park! Attractions here are extra kid-friendly and reminiscent of classic amusem*nt parks.

Paradise Gardens Park also serves as home to Disney California Adventure’s must-see nighttime spectacular, World of Color — ONE!

Here is the list of Paradise Gardens Park attractions:

• Silly Symphony Swings
• Goofy’s Sky School —Disney Genie+ option
• Jumpin’ Jellyfish
• Golden Zephyr
• The Little Mermaid — Ariel’s Undersea Adventure

Pixar Pier

Are you ready to play with your favorite Pixar pals? Pixar Pieropened on July 23, 2018 atDisney California Adventure!

Pixar Pier— the result of an entire transformation of Paradise Pier — is made up offour neighborhoodsrepresenting Pixar stories:Incredibles Park, Inside Out HeadquartersandToy Story Boardwalkeach have their own themed neighborhoods. Several different Pixar stories and characters are represented in thefourth neighborhood, thePixar Promenade.

Here is the list of Pixar Pier attractions:

• Incredicoaster —Disney Genie+ option
• Jessie’s Critter Carousel
• Toy Story Midway Mania! —Disney Genie+ option
• Games of Pixar Pier
• Pixar Pal-A-Round
• Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind

THESE are the BEST Rides in Disney California Adventure… RANKED!

Disney California Adventure Dining

From the Carthay Circle Restaurant – a reproduction of the Carthay Circle Theatre where Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premiered in 1937 — to eateries where you can fuel your inner Super Hero, you’ll find no shortage of unique and tasty food from the park’s Table Service restaurants right down to every snack cart and kiosk.

Simply click any of the links for the restaurants below to find more information AND all of our reviews for that dining location!

Disney California Adventure Table Service Restaurants

Table Service — or sit-down — restaurants can provide a relaxing (and air-conditioned) break during a busy park day!

• Carthay Circle Restaurant
• Lamplight Lounge
• Wine Country Trattoria

Disney California Adventure Counter Service Restaurants

If your priority is riding ALL. THE. RIDES! in Disney California Adventure, you may find that a quick meal at a Counter Service restaurant will fit your needs!

• Award Wieners
• Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta
• Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream
• Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill
• Flo’s V-8 Cafe
• The Lucky Fortune Cookery
• Pacific Wharf Cafe
• Paradise Garden Grill
• PYM Test Kitchen
• Smokejumpers Grill

Disney California Adventure Bars and Lounges

Wet your whistle with a libation (or mocktail) at any of Disney California Adventure’s bars and lounges!

• Bayside Brews
• Carthay Circle Lounge
• Club 1901
• Hollywood Lounge
• Lamplight Lounge
• Magic Key Terrace(A Magic Key Passholder-exclusive location)
• Mendocino Terrace
• PYM Tasting Lab

Disney California AdventureKiosks and Snack Spots

From sweet to savory, you’re bound to find a snack that satisfies!

• Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats
• Angry Dogs
• Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff Confectionery
• Corn Dog Castle
• Cozy Cone Motel
• Fillmore’s Taste-In
• Jack Jack Cookie Num Nums
• Poultry Palace
• Rita’s Baja Blenders
• Schmoozies
• Senor Buzz Churros
• Shawarma Palace
• Shawarma Palace Too
• Terran Treats
• Trolley Treats

We’ve Eaten at Every Restaurant in Disney California Adventure. These Are the Best.

Entertainment — Fireworks and Shows

World of Color — ONE

The Walt Disney Company was founded onOctober 16th, 1923. The100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company has been honored at Disney destinations across the globe to celebrate Disney100 Years of Wonder! And an updated version of the World of Color spectacular, called“World of Color – ONE,” is now showing to honor the “storytelling legacy of Disney’s first 100 years”at Disney California Adventure.

Set to a soundtrack featuring18 compositionsandwith references to Disney, Pixar, Marvel, andStar Warsmovies, California Adventure’s new nighttime show has a little bit of everything. And, in the signature “World of Color” fashion, it presentsmist screens, TONS of dancing fountains, laser lights, flame effects, and much more.

It’s shown one to two times per evening at Paradise Gardens Park, and you can check the Disneyland Mobile App for showtimes so you don’t miss it! And be aware that a Virtual Queue is currently in place to view this experience.

See photos and videos of World of Color — ONE here!

Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! —April 26th – August 4th, 2024!

As part of this year’s Pixar Fest celebration, there will be a colorfulparadecalled “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” making its debut in Disney California Adventure!

Disney has released two concept art photosto show us what we can expect. It looks like we’ll see characters like Mei and other beloved characters fromTurning Red, plenty of dancers, and even the iconic Pixar lamp!

The event — and the parade — will run from April 26th through August 4th, 2024!

Disney California Adventure Entertainment

To catch ALL the entertainment Disney California Adventure has to offer, be sure to check the Disneyland App and Information Boards posted around the park for showtimes.

Avengers Campus

You do NOT want to miss any of your heroes IN ACTION! You can find the showtimes for your visit on the Entertainment Schedule on the Disneyland website andthe Disneyland app.

Would you like tosee Spider-Man FLY?! Check outThe Amazing Spider-Man!

Avengers Assemble!takes place at Avengers Headquarters.

Ready to learn from Dr. Strange himself?Dr. Strange: Mysteries of the Mystic Artsis also presented several times throughout the day.

Shake your groove thing withThe Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off!right in front of Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT!

Become a warrior with some of your favoriteBlack Panthercharacters atWarriors of Wakanda: The Disciplines of the Dora Milaje!

Live Music Around Disney California Adventure

Entertainment ABOUNDS in Disney California Adventure! To catch ALL the entertainment Disney California Adventure has to offer, be sure to check the Disneyland App and Information Boards posted around the park for showtimes.

Though acts can vary, you may catch:

• Mariachi Divas at The Paradise Gardens Bandstand
• Mariachi Espectacular at The Paradise Gardens Bandstand
• Philly Phonics on Buena Vista Street
• Five & Dime on Buena Vista Street

To catch ALL the entertainment Disney California Adventure has to offer, be sure to check the Disneyland App and Information Boards posted around the park for showtimes.

Disney Characters

Get ready to HUG MICKEY (and more Disney pals) at a Character Meet and Greet!

Disney characters may show up anywhere in Disney California Adventure. However, there area few locations dedicated to Character Meet-and-Greetswhere you can be certain to meet your favorites! Check theDisneyland Mobile Appto find appearance times.

Buena Vista Street

• Disney pals like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy

Avengers Campus

You may be surprised by the amount of Super Heroes you may encounter in Avengers Campus! The list below reflects just a few characters from the MCU you might see at Avengers Headquarters and the Ancient Sanctum:

• Iron Man
• Black Panther
• Captain Marvel
• Black Widow
• Thor
• Doctor Strange
• Ant-Man
• The Wasp
• The Guardians of the Galaxy

Pixar Pier

• Incredibles Park: Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, Frozone and Edna Mode
• Toy Story Boardwalk: Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Bo Peep
• Pixar Promenade: Joy and Sadness, Jessie, Bo Peep, Woody, Russell and Dug

Hollywood Land

• Anna & Elsa’s Royal Welcome (inside the Disney Animation building)

Grizzly Peak

• Raya at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail

San Fransokyo Square

• Baymax

Cars Land

• Residents of Radiator Springs: Mater and Lightning McQueen

Check the Disneyland App and Information Boards around the park for characters and their appearance times.

Seasonal Events and Festivals

The fun changes with the SEASONS at Disney California Adventure!

Lunar New Year Festival

The Festival fun for the year begins with the Lunar New Year Festival.2024 is the Year of the Dragon, and Disney California Adventure is marking its arrival with the park’s annualLunar New Year celebration!

FromJanuary 23 through February 18, 2024, Disney California Adventure is ringing in the Year of the Dragon with festive cuisine and entertainment offerings (including special Disney Character sightings) and more! Visit our Lunar New Year page for information!

Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival

TheDisney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival celebrates the bounty of California with food, beverages, and special events!

The dates for the 2024 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival are March 1st through April 22nd. Click HERE for all of the information you need for this terrific Foodie Fest!

Halloween Time

If you are visiting in the fall you’ll catch Halloween Time in Disney California Adventure, where spooky decorations and TONS of frightful FUN set the seasonal scene.

In Cars Land, for instance, Radiator Springs turns into Radiator Screams!Look for the transformations of Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree intoMater’s Graveyard JamBOOree, and Luigi’s Rolickin’ Roadsters intoLuigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween.

The fun frights even extend to Avengers Campus, where theGuardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Darkseasonal overlay comes toMission: BREAKOUT!

Oogie Boogie Bashis an extra-ticket event held on select nights at Disney California Adventure! The one and only Oogie Boogie — along with some of his fellowDisney Villains— is your host!

And Plaza de la Familia isa celebration inspired byDia de los Muertos and runs through early November.

You can learn everything you need to know about Halloween Time in Disneyland Resort by clicking HERE.

Festival of the Holidays

Are you visiting Disneyland Resort during the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? The highlight of the season in Disney California Adventure is the Festival of Holidays!

The Disneyland Resort Holiday Season — including the Festival of the Holidays — will kick off on November 15th, 2024!

Extra-Ticket Experiences

Disneyland hosts several extra-ticket events throughout the year, offering guests after-hours access to the park with fun themes, festivities, entertainment, and access to most rides with lower wait times.

Additionally, Dining Packages and Dessert Parties offer reserved seating for the park’s nighttime spectacular along with a full meal or a selection of sweet desserts.

Click any of the links below to learn more about each event:

World of Color Dessert Party

World of Color Dining Package

Oogie Boogie Bash — A Seasonal Halloween Event

Helpful Info for Your Trip to Disney California Adventure

Disneyland App

Guests at Disneyland Resort can utilize the free official Disneyland Mobile App to unlock all of the magic and fun in Disney California Adventure (not to mention Disneyland park, the Downtown Disney District, and the Disneyland Resort hotels, too)… right from their smartphones!

From the very start of your vacation planning to the final day of your trip, the Disneyland app offers several features to help you make the most of your Disney California Adventure visit!

Click HERE to see how the Disneyland app can help you navigate your way around Disney California Adventure!

Disney Genie

ANEW service made its debut within the Disneyland Mobile appon December 8, 2021.Disney Genieprovideson-the-go planning toolsandcustomized itinerariesto help guests maximize their park time in the parks!

Thestandard Disney Genie— which includes features likedining tips, recommendations for when to head to your next attractions, andenhancements to the Disability Access Service— isa complimentary service.

There are alsooptional add-ons available for a fee.TWO different options are available, and they allow guests tobypass the standby lines for attractionsand instead enter theLightning Lane. TheDisney Genie+ base-price option — starting at $25*per person, per day — allows guests to select the next available time to arrive at an attraction and enter that attraction’s Lightning Lane at 20 attractions across Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. (*Prices vary by date, and the Disney Genie+ service issubject to availability.)

And another paid option is available forDIFFERENT— andmore in-demand — attractions.Disney’s Individual Lightning Lane Attraction Selectionservice(pay-per-ride)is how guests pay a fee to utilize the Lightning Lane for an individual attraction.

There is a LOT to learn about this service, and you canfind ALL the info you need HERE.

CLICK HERE to learn everything you NEED to know about Disney Genie!

WHEW! And THAT’S the overview of Disney California Adventure! For more Disneyland Resort fun, check out our DFB YouTube Video below!